I thought Rob Ford wanted the entire line underground, so I'm unsure where
@Steve X gets that "Rob Ford got ML to change to an elevated line" (unless it's non-public information).
That aside... not mentioned at all in this discussion is that Metrolinx pushed to have the section between Laird and Don Mills changed to a bored tunnel beneath the Don Valley, with the Leslie and Ferrand Dr stops eliminated. They may have considered other surface options, but those were rejected in favor of a tunnel. Of course the documents have since been deleted as per Metrolinx's usual contempt for transparency, however I managed to pull a few slides from the deep web from a public consultation.
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This article goes into much more detail as to what transpired at the time, including what happened with the "south side alignment".
Updated June 17, 2013 at 6:15 pm: In the comment thread for this article, there has been substantial discussion about a “south side option” for the Eglinton LRT between the portal at Br…
stevemunro.ca
As for why we switched back to the original plan, you and
@Steve X are correct. To elaborate... political posturing by councillor Robinson on behalf of some Leaside residents put pressure on Metrolinx to back down on eliminating the Leslie stop. The only way this would be feasible is to either go back to the original surface alignment, or pursue the "south side alignment". However because the latter would have required approval from city council, which at the time was too busy ripping up transit plans every six months and dealing with the mayor's crack scandal, Metrolinx had no confidence in their ability to make a decision in a timely manner and stick with it. Needless to say, "Fuck it, we're not touching you guys with a ten foot pole" was the easiest thing to do.
